Trigger Pull Technique

Pulling the trigger on a gun is serious business, a skill that we must learn to do correctly and with the proper technique to be a safe and effective shooter. Here we will review trigger pull technique for the women shooter. Pulling the trigger on a revolver is typically very different than pulling the trigger on a semi-automatic handgun. Revolvers have a very "hard" and "long" trigger pull that acts as a safety mechanism. As you have to really intend to pull the trigger to do so. The semi-automatic gun usually has a safety lever or mechanism that prevents the gun from firing accidentally. Once the safety has been released, the trigger pull on a semi-automatic is quite light and smooth.

Trigger Pull Technique For A Woman Shooter

One of the first things to consider for proper trigger pull technique for a woman shooter is how the gun fits your hand. You want to get as close as you can to having the first joint of your trigger finger on the trigger. This will not only give you better leverage on the trigger, but it will also help to have a clean and straight trigger pull, front to back. Not having "enough" finger on the trigger will tend to result in shots going to the left and having the finger too far onto the trigger results with shots going to the right. (Right handed shooter) See the downloadable trigger technique training aids below

You already know how to pull a trigger, I imagine you pull a trigger many times a week!

Choosing the gun that fits your hand and finger length is critical. A hand-me-down gun is usually not a good choice and the odds are it does not properly fit your hand. The same holds true if you are given a gun as a gift. Ideally, you have done some research and tried a few gun types and selected the one that just fits your hand perfectly. See article on which type of gun is right for you

Revolvers and semiautomatic firearms have different trigger pulls and these can vary model to model. Semiautomatic guns tend to have lighter, quicker trigger pulls and revolvers will have a longer harder trigger pull. A double action revolver will have a very long and hard trigger pull. Revolvers typically do not have external safety mechanisms so the long, hard trigger pull acts as the safety. You must really intend to pull the trigger to fire the gun.

Your trigger finger is extended along the frame of the gun until you have sighted your target and are ready to shoot. See gun safety rules. Once you decide to pull the trigger, keep the trigger moving, do not try to control it or "stage" it. Pull firmly and with consistent pressure. You are either pulling or not, so don't begin the trigger pull until you are fully prepared to shoot your gun. Once you do - let the trigger return to it complete forward position without trying to stop or slow its progression while keeping your finger on the trigger to "feel" it reset back into position to pull again.

Common Mistakes Women Make With The Trigger Pull

It is very common and natural, especially with women new to guns and shooting to adopt some common mistakes with the trigger pull. One such mistake is to "jerk" the trigger. This really is a mental issue not a physical one. Anticipation and timidity are the culprits here. Be confident in your sight, and commit to pull the trigger and pull it smoothly and firmly. This "jerk" trigger habit must be mentally trained out of you. If left un-corrected, missing your target will be an ongoing issue and minimize your effectiveness in protecting yourself or the satisfaction of hitting your practice targets.

Many times a simple adjustment in your grip or trigger pull can make a world of difference in your accuracy. If you are struggling to hit your practice target after a reasonable amount of practice, professional instruction is recommended. It is difficult for us to personally see the mistakes we are making, especially with all of the power and noise going on! So self correcting is of these common mistakes with trigger pull are difficult to make unassisted. It takes a trained professional with a trained eye to help make the necessary corrections.

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